Orange Flowers

On the 8th floor of our building. They are adding a lot of greenery to the common area. This is one of Bryce's favorite areas, there is a big fountain with fish, on the other side of the bushes.

There has been a lot of rain and thunder storms. Bryce normally does not mind but this morning the whole building shook with the clap of thunder. He could not jump into my arms fast enough. I hate to see him scared but I think it is one of my favorite parts of being a parent, comforting him in a time of need. Ramiro took some photos from our balcony the other night. You know there is a ton of lightning when you can stand on the balcony 5 minutes and get a great photo.

Here is another neat picture Ramiro took. No folks, it is not a UFO. It was by chance. He wanted to capture the moon but a plane flew into the shot out of the dark. It makes great contrast.

Do You Remember How to Get To Sesame Street?

Bryce hanging with his friends on Sesame Street.

Aquarium Party

Park Duo

Bryce and Jordan (3 weeks apart) playing at Lumpinin Park this weekend. They are both getting faster and really play well together. After the park we enjoyed Fried chicken covered in garlic from Soi Polo, delicious!!

Making Merit With Monk Bowls

There are three ways of making and gaining merit. They are

1) to give alms (offering food to Monks)

2) to maintain religious commandment, and

3) to pray

If all of these are perfectly met, it represents a great merit making. But most of people see that making merit is to give alms. That is partly true because it is the first step of a fully-gained merit.

Thais’ belief is based on the Buddhist doctrine. The concept is as stated in a Thai proverb if you do good you will receive good; if you do evil you will receive evil. It means the result of Karma which represents the evaluation of all life events, that is, you will receive the outcome of what you have already initiated.

It was fascinating watching this family create Monk offering bowls. Each bowl is made up from 8 sections of metal. Below this woman crafts the sheets together.

Then a pattern is hand hammered into the metal.

Followed by heating the bowls to maintain integrity.

A varnish coat may or may not be applied to have a natural metal or varnished look.

Finally, the rim is adorned with monk style markings dot and squiggly blessing symbols. Along with your merit making wishes, possibly of love, wealth and happiness.

Floaty The Boaty

Miff and Biff in Philli

Bryce Frederick and Mary Frances had a great time when we visited in Philli. We were able to get out and enjoy the park and gardens, many dog sightings, Boathouse Row, and the Philadelphia Museum of Art.

On the front steps of the Philadelphia Museum of Art with the city scape in the background.

Great city view of Philli

Bryce does his best Rocky Balboa impression.